Ardent Architects has designed a number of car showrooms (now approaching five), including several for Mazda dealerships. While many would simply focus on the glamorous showrooms, Ardent understands the importance of functionality and the way cars are not only displayed, but also serviced. Large trucks arriving on a daily basis, bringing parts or simply delivering cars to the showroom, also need to be accommodated. As the South Morang dealership is one of the busiest, it also required sufficient handover bays in the semi-basement area that would reduce the time for those waiting to pick up their new cars (here there are 12 bays).

While individual requirements such as the number of bays can be modified, other features follow strict guidelines set out by the Tokyo-based company. There are also guidelines for the materials and finishes to be used, and the logos, including their strategic placement. However, Australia does not sell as many Mazda as the US and it also doesn’t require a concierge placed immediately inside the front door to welcome potential buyers, as is the case in Japan (in Australia a receptionist also looks after administration and requires a larger desk in a more semi-enclosed environment).

Originally designed to sit in close to the service road leading to the main shopping centre, the plans were revised by Ardent Architects to allow for increased workshop bays and the ability to create a drive-through to ensure less manoeuvring and improve vehicular flow, for both customers and suppliers, such as large trucks needing to service the workshop, often arriving every alternative day. A strategically placed ramp to one side allows the cars to be easily placed on the showroom floor.

Ardent understands not only the logistics of servicing cars, but also the need to create transparency through spaces and, importantly, the ability to see cars in the showroom rather than being hidden by cars parked in front – hence this Mazda showroom is slightly elevated above ground level, with the workshop below forming a podium. Having unimpeded sight lines through the offices, whether open plan on the first floor or enclosed by glass below, allows for customers to be greeted immediately on arrival. Brand prominence, a key feature, has also been addressed, with the 13-metre-high blade wall piercing the showroom emblazoned with the distinctive Mazda signage.

• Structural and civil engineering: Vert Engineering

• Buikder: H Troon

• Interior Design: Spaceos

• Workshop fitout: Alemlube

• Photography: Spectral Modes